OREANDA-NEWS. In January 2016 compared with December 2015, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.4% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.8% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In December retail trade rose by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU28.

In January 2016 compared with January 2015 the calendar adjusted retail sales index increased by 2.0% in the euro area and by 2.8% in the EU28.

Monthly comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 0.4% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in January 2016, compared with December 2015, is due to rises of 0.7% for non-food products, of 0.5% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.1% for automotive fuel. In the EU28, the 0.8% increase in the volume of retail trade is due to rises of 1.1% for non-food products, of 0.7% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.5% for automotive fuel.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were registered in Portugal (+5.9%), Poland (+3.4%) and Slovenia (+3.0%), while the largest decreases were observed in Luxembourg (-1.2%), Austria and Slovakia (both -1.1%).

Annual comparison by retail sector and by Member State

The 2.0% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in January 2016, compared with January 2015, is due to rises of 3.0% for non-food products, of 1.4% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.3% for automotive fuel. In the EU28, the 2.8% increase in retail trade volume is due to rises of 3.9% for non-food products, of 2.1% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 1.4% for automotive fuel.

Among Member States for which data are available, the highest increases in total retail trade were observed in Romania (+15.6%), Estonia (+8.9%) and Poland (+7.5%), while decreases were observed in Belgium (-2.2%) and Austria (-0.5%).